Barcelona begin title defence with dramatic win over Mallorca | OneFootball

Barcelona kicked off their La Liga title defence with a 3-0 victory over Mallorca on Saturday evening.

Scorers: Raphina 7', Torres 23', Yamal 90+4'

It took Raphinha and Lamine Yamal just seven minutes to combine for the opening goal, as the latter's inviting cross was rifled home at the back post.

Ferran Torres then made it two in the first half, but it wasn't without controversy as Mallorca captain Antonio Raíllo went down with an apparent head injury and everyone thought play had stopped, but it hadn't and Torres was able to punish the hosts.

Matters then went from bad to worse for Mallorca before the break as Manu Morlanes was shown a second yellow card and given his marching orders, before Vedat Muriqi was shown a straight red moments later for a high foot.

Following what can only be described as a chaotic first half, things certainly quietened down after the break.

Despite Barcelona's significant numerical advantage, they struggled to add to their tally with efforts from Dani Olmo, Pedri and Raphinha thwarted.

It was Yamal who came the closest to adding a third in the closing stages as he had two efforts in quick succession kept out by Mallorca goalkeeper Leo Román.

But, the teenager wasn't denied a third time as he finally found the back of the net in added time to make it 3-0.

Now, Flick's side must prepare for another away trip to face Levante next weekend.

📸 JAIME REINA - AFP or licensors